Hurt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hurt
[hɜːrt ]
Definitions
physical pain
To cause physical pain or injury to someone or something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hurt |
Used to describe physical or emotional pain. Commonly used in everyday conversation.
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| injure |
Refers to physical damage to a person or animal, often used in medical or emergency contexts. Generally implies a more serious or specific injury.
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| damage |
Describes physical harm caused to objects, buildings, or systems. Can also refer to harm to reputations. Often used in more formal and technical scenarios.
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| harm |
Refers to physical or psychological injury or damage. Often used in discussions about long-term or serious consequences; includes negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He hurt his knee while playing football.
- She hurt her back lifting heavy boxes.
- The cat hurt the mouse with its claws.
emotional pain
To cause emotional pain or distress to someone.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hurt |
Used when someone is in physical or emotional pain.
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| upset |
Used when someone feels emotionally disturbed or unhappy, usually in a milder sense.
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| wound |
Used to refer to physical injuries, particularly cuts or breaks in the skin, or deep emotional pain.
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| distress |
Used to describe extreme anxiety or sorrow, often in serious or emergency situations.
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Examples of usage
- His words hurt her feelings.
- The rejection hurt his self-esteem.
physical pain
Physical pain or injury.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hurt |
You would use 'hurt' to describe feeling physical or emotional pain, typically not severe. It's also used to describe someone feeling bad emotionally because of someone's actions or words.
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| pain |
Pain refers to an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience usually associated with actual or potential tissue damage. It can vary from mild discomfort to severe agony.
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| soreness |
Soreness typically describes a mild and often temporary discomfort in the muscles or a part of the body, usually caused by overuse or minor injury.
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| injury |
This term is suitable for describing physical harm or damage to the body, often requiring medical attention.
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Examples of usage
- She winced in hurt as she touched the bruise.
- The hurt from the burn was excruciating.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Emotional pain can trigger the same brain responses as physical pain, making them feel very similar.
- Experiencing emotional hurt can influence your thoughts and behavior, often leading people to seek support or isolate themselves.
- Research shows that social connections can help alleviate feelings of hurt, demonstrating the importance of relationships in healing.
Literature
- Many famous poets and writers explore themes of hurt and pain in their works, using it as a catalyst for character development.
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters often express their emotional hurt through soliloquies, revealing their inner struggles to the audience.
- The idea of hurt is often used in storytelling as a way to illustrate the journey of characters overcoming obstacles.
Pop Culture
- Songs about heartbreak frequently explore the concept of emotional hurt, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar feelings.
- Movies often depict physical injuries in dramatic ways, enhancing emotional impacts through visual storytelling.
- Famous quotes in movies and songs often address the theme of hurt, reminding people of the universal experience of pain.
Health
- The body has different types of pain receptors that signal when something physical hurts, alerting us to avoid danger.
- Understanding the relationship between physical and emotional hurt can lead to better coping strategies and mental health awareness.
- Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals process emotional hurt, promoting healing and resilience.
Origin of 'hurt'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'hyrtan,' which means to injure or harm.
- In many languages, words for 'hurt' share roots, showing how common the idea of pain is across cultures.
- The transition of the word from Old English to Middle English illustrates changes in how people expressed physical and emotional suffering.
The word 'hurt' originates from Middle English 'hurten' which means 'to injure or damage'. It has Germanic roots and is related to the Old Norse word 'hjarta' meaning 'to injure'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass both physical and emotional pain, becoming a versatile term to describe various forms of suffering.